Strawberry plant named &#39;Placartfre&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new variety of strawberry plant characterized by its inflorescence that appears level with the foliage, as well as its abundant production of red colored, conical-shaped, very firm, medium-sized fruit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The new variety of strawberry was created in a breeding program by crossing two parents; in particular, by crossing as seed parent, an undistributed variety designated 9238 and as pollen parent, an undistributed variety designated 86-032. Both parental varieties are proprietary and have not been commercialized.

[0002] The resulting seedling of the new variety was grown and asexually propagated by runners in Soria, Spain, 3° W., 41° N., 3000 feet elevation. Clones of the new variety were further asexually propagated and extensively tested. This propagation and testing has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein which characterize the new variety are fixed and retained true to type through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a new and distinct strawberry variety. The varietal denomination of the new variety is ‘PLACARTFRE’. Among the characteristics which distinguish the new variety from other varieties are a combination of traits which include inflorescence that appears level with the foliage and abundant production of red colored, conical-shaped, and very firm, medium size fruit.

COMPARISON TO CLOSEST VARIETY

[0004] The new variety is closest to the variety ‘CARTUNO’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. PP8,623), but is distinguished therefrom by the following characteristics possessed by ‘PLACARTFRE’ which are different than, or not possessed by, ‘CARTUNO’.

[0005] 1. ‘CARTUNO’ exhibits less plant vigor than ‘PLACARTFRE’.

[0006] 2. Length/width ratio of the terminal leaflet in ‘CARTUNO’ is longer than broad, whereas in ‘PLACARTFRE’ it is as long as broad.

[0007] 3. Shape of base of the terminal leaflet in ‘CARTUNO’ is rounded, whereas in ‘PLACARTFRE’ it is acute.

[0008] 4. In ‘CARTUNO’ the position of the inflorescence is above the foliage, whereas in ‘PLACARTFRE’, it is level with the foliage.

[0009] 5. The flower size in ‘CARTUNO’ is large and in ‘PLACARTFRE’, the flower size is medium.

[0010] 6. Band without achenes in the fruit of ‘CARTUNO’ is absent or very narrow, whereas in ‘PLACARTFRE’ it is medium.

[0011] 7. ‘CARTUNO’ has orange-red to red fruit color (near 33A to 40A), whereas in ‘PLACARTFRE’, the fruit color is red (near 43B to 41A).

[0012] 8. Insertion of calyx in the fruits of ‘CARTUNO’ is level, whereas in ‘PLACARTFRE’ it is set above fruit.

[0013] 9. Size of calyx in relation to fruit diameter is larger in ‘CARTUNO’, whereas it is same size in ‘PLACARTFRE’.

[0014] The differences in the fruits of ‘CARTUNO’ and the new variety are shown in FIG. 9. These differences are maintained during the harvest season.

[0015] 10. ‘CARTUNO’ produces firm fruit that is smaller than ‘PLACARTFRE’ fruit.

[0016] 11. Precocity in ‘CARTUNO’ is smaller than in ‘PLACARTFRE’.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIONS

[0017] The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the new variety (designated 97.10.030 in the illustrations), including fruit, foliage and flower, in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in color illustrations of this character.

[0018]FIG. 1 shows the upper side of a typical terminal leaflet of the new variety (designated 97.10.030), with an acute base shape and in which the length/width ratio is as long as broad, compared with the upper side of a typical terminal leaflet of ‘CARTUNO’ that has a rounded base shape and in which the length/width ratio is longer than broad.

[0019]FIG. 2 shows a complete leaflet of the new variety (designated 97.10.030) and in which it can be seen the shape of base is acute in the terminal leaflet.

[0020]FIGS. 3 and 4 show the fruit against a background of the top surface of the foliage of the new variety (designated 97.10.030).

[0021]FIG. 5 shows the flower and reproductive organs of the new variety (designated 97.10.030).

[0022]FIG. 6 shows a typical flower of the new variety (designated 97.10.030) in which the flower size is medium, and a typical flower of ‘CARTUNO’ in which the flower size is larger.

[0023]FIG. 7 shows typical fruit of the new variety {designated 97.10.030) in cross section illustrating the typical flesh and flesh coloration, conspicuous core and core cavity and conical shape.

[0024]FIG. 8 shows whole and sliced, detached fruit of the new variety (designated 97.10.030) with the typical red color.

[0025]FIG. 9 shows a typical fruits of the new variety (designated 97.10.030) in which band without achenes is medium and the insertion of calyx is set above fruit, and a typical fruits of ‘CARTUNO’ in which band without achenes is absent or very narrow and the insertion of calyx is level.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

[0026] The following detailed description of the new variety is based upon observations taken of plants and fruits grown “underglass”, i.e. undertunnel, in the farm of La Mogalla in Cartaya (Huelva), Spain, 7° W., 37° N., 45 feet elevation.

[0027] The following description is in accordance with UPOV terminology and the color terminology herein is in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.C.C.). The color descriptions and other phenotypical descriptions may deviate from the stated values and descriptions depending upon variation in environmental, seasonal, climatic and cultural conditions.

PROPAGATION

[0028] The new variety is principally propagated by way of runners. Although propagation by runners is presently preferred, other know methods of propagating strawberry plants may be used. Strawberries root well after transplanting.

[0029] The term “blistering” used herein refers to the texture or rugosity or surface ondulation inherent to leaves and is generally a constant characteristic.

GENERAL

[0030] ‘PLACARTFRE’ is a short day variety that needs an induction to flowering by chilling, such as occurs at a high elevation nursery (fresh plant) or with cold storage (referred to as a frigo). Usually a short time is sufficient. ‘PLACARTFRE’ is self-fertile. It produces large quantity of pollen throughout the seasons and pollination is generally good as there are very few malformed fruit.

[0031] Production: Plants described are from high elevation nursery.

[0032] Trials pursued in Cartaya (Huelva), Spain.

[0033] Date of planting: 23^(rd) Oct. 2000.

[0034] Number of repetitions: 2

[0035] Plants per repetition: 150

[0036] Comparison with ‘CARTUNO’: The new variety is compared with ‘CARTUNO’ in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 and FIG. 9. Accumulated production of 1^(st) quality fruit (g/plant) Variety 23-Fb 28-Mr 24-Ap 15-My CARTUNO  2 135 528 719 CAMAROSA  8 181 624 861 TUDNEW 26 198 544 676 PLACARTFRE 38 193 533 766 1^(st) + 2^(nd) Weight Variety Quality Fruit TOTAL (g/fruit) CARTUNO 719 + 111 830 22-21 CAMAROSA 861 + 157 1018  24-23 TUDNEW 676 + 86  762 24-23 PLACARTFRE 766 + 88  854 23-22

[0037] Production total, to 15 May, of First Quality Fruit(1^(st) quality) and Second Quality Fruit (2^(nd) quality) in g/plant TOTAL 1^(st) 2^(nd) (1^(st) quality + % 2^(nd) Variety quality quality 2^(nd) quality) quality CARTUNO 719 111 830 13 CAMAROSA 861 157 1018 15 TUDNEW 676 86 762 11 PLACARTFRE 766 88 854 10 ${\% \quad 2^{nd}\quad {quality}} = {\frac{2^{nd}\quad {quality}}{TOTAL} \times 100}$

[0038] Weight (g/Fruit) at two dates: 28 March and 15 May Weight (g/fruit) 28 March 15 May CARTUNO 22 21 CAMAROSA 24 23 TUDNEW 24 23 PLACARTFRE 23 22

[0039] WEIGHT is shown as the average weight per fruit in First Quality Fruits. FRUIT ANALYSIS PLACARTFRE CAMAROSA (97.10.030) CARTUNO TUDNEW Firmness (KG) 1.20 1.50 .70 .90 Humidity & Volatile Matter 92.80 90.10 93.30 88.00 (%) Dry Matter (%) 7.20 9.90 6.70 12.00 PH (to 20°) 3.50 3.70 3.90 3.60 Acidity as Anhydride .80 .70 .51 .90 Citric (%) Soluble Solids (°Brix) 9.50 11.50 10.90 8.60 Maturity Index 11.90 16.70 21.40 9.60 Content in Ascorbic Acid 500 620 560 820 (ppm) Dominant Tonality (nm) 495 495 495 495 Luminosity: Transmittance to 460 nm 26.50 22.10 30.70 16.70

[0040] The following definitions apply:

[0041] Firmness: It is the fruit's resistance to penetration measured in Kilograms (Kg). The measure given has been obtained by the penetrometer ROZE Mod. Arbelette, with a 50 mm² section head.

[0042] Dry Matter: It is the weight of the residual left from the trituration of the fruit after the drying process at a temperature of 103° C.+2° C. until reaching constant weight. $\begin{matrix} {{(\%)\quad {Dry}\quad {Matter}} = {\frac{{Weight}\quad {Dry}\quad {Matter}}{{Weight}\quad {Fresh}\quad {Matter}} \times 100}} & \quad \end{matrix}$

[0043] Humidity & Volatile

[0044] Matter: Represents the content in volatile matters and water of the fruits.

[0045] (%) Humidity & Volatile Matter=100-% Dry Matter

[0046] Maturity Index: Relation between Soluble solids and Acidity as Anhydride Citric. ${{Maturity}\quad {Index}} = \frac{{Soluble}\quad {solids}}{{Acidity}\quad {as}\quad {Anhydride}\quad {Citric}}$

[0047] The following additional information is provided to further describe the new variety:

VARIETY

[0048] ‘PLACARTFRE’ Breeder Ref. 97.10.030

[0049] Classification: Fragaria, L.

PLANT

[0050] Habit: Globose

[0051] Density: Medium

[0052] Vigor: Strong

[0053] Height: About 23 cm

[0054] Width: About 25 cm

LEAF

[0055] Color: Upper side near 137C to 137B; underside near 138D to 138C

[0056] Length: About 11 cm

[0057] Width: About 13 cm

[0058] Cross section: Slightly concave

[0059] Leaf surface undulation or Blistering: Medium

[0060] Number of leaflets: Three (3) only

[0061] Leaf stem characteristics Color: Near 138D.

[0062] Position of hairs: Upwards

[0063] Length: About 12 cm

[0064] Terminal leaflet

[0065]Length/width ratio.—As long as broad.

[0066]Length.—About 6.5 cm.

[0067]Width.—About 6.5 cm.

[0068]Shape of base.—Acute.

[0069]Shape of teeth.—Obtuse.

[0070] Petiole.—

[0071]Position of hairs.—Upwards.

[0072]Length.—About 10 cm.

[0073] Stipule: Anthocyanin coloration — weak

[0074] Stolons: Medium, about 7

[0075]Anthocyanin coloration.—Medium.

[0076]Thickness.—Medium, about 3 mm.

[0077]Pubescence.—Medium.

[0078]Color.—Near 138D to 142D.

INFLORESCENCE

[0079] Position relative to foliage: Level with

[0080] Flower

[0081]Size.—Medium.

[0082]Size of calyx relative to corolla.—Same size.

[0083]Size of inner calyx relative to outer.—Larger.

[0084]Spacing of petals.—Overlapping.

[0085] Flower characteristics

[0086]Diameter.—Primary flowers: About 2.5 to 3 cm Secondary flowers: About 2.5 cm.

[0087]Number of petals.—Normally about 6— no significant fragrance.

[0088]Time from bloom to mature fruit (in Huelva, Spain).—About 35 to 40 days.

[0089]Petal.—Length/Width ration: Broader than long

[0090] Fruiting truss

[0091]Attitude.—Erect.

FRUIT

[0092] Ration of length/maximum width: Longer than broad.

[0093] Color: Near 43B to 41A

[0094] Peduncle length of inflorescence stem: Primary fruit about 9 cm to 11 cm, secondary fruit about 6 cm to 7 cm, color near 138D

[0095] Primary fruit

[0096]Length.—About 5.5 cm.

[0097]Width.—About 4 cm.

[0098] Secondary fruit

[0099]Length.—About 4.5 cm.

[0100]Width.—About 3 cm.

[0101]Size.—Medium.

[0102]Predominant shape.—Conical.

[0103] Difference in shapes between primary and secondary fruits: Moderate

[0104] Bank without achenes: Medium

[0105] Unevenness of surface: Weak

[0106] Color: Near 43B to 41A

[0107] Evenness of color: Even

[0108] Glossiness: Strong

[0109] Insertion of achenes: Level with surface

[0110] Insertion of calyx: Set above fruit

[0111] Pose of the calyx segments: Reflexed

[0112] Size of calyx in relation to fruit diameter: Same size

[0113] Adherence of calyx: Strong

[0114] Firmness: Very firm

[0115] Color of flesh: Medium red, near 43B; lightening toward center

[0116] Evenness of color of flesh: Even

[0117] Sweetness: Strong

[0118] Acidity: Medium

[0119] Time of flowering: Medium

[0120] Time of ripening: Medium

[0121] Type of bearing: Not remonstrant

[0122] Chilling: Weak

[0123] Planting date: Oct. 23, 2000

[0124] 10% flowering: Dec. 23, 2000

[0125] First mature fruits: Jan. 31, 2001

[0126] Maturity (15-20 gms/plant): Feb. 15, 2001

[0127] Time of flowering date: Date of planting: Oct. 23, 2000 in the farm of La Mogalla, in Cartaya (Huelva), Spain, about 7 W, 37 N, 45 feet elevation. Ten percent (10%) flowering occurs about Dec. 23, 2000 with first mature fruit about Jan. 31, 2001 and maturity (15-20 g/plant) about Feb. 15, 2001.

[0128] Time of flowers (50% of plants at first flower): about Jan. 2, 2001.

[0129] Storage Qualities: ‘PLACARTFRE’ fruit maintain their quality characteristics when keeping them in a frigo chamber at temperatures of about 2° C. during 48 hours. The fruit's color remains substantially the same.

[0130] Time of ripening: After planting as aforesaid, plants are grown in raised beds under tunnel (small tunnel with small holes in plastic walls). Water and fertilizer were applied through drip irrigation. Time of ripening (50% of plants with ripe fruit) is about February 4th. First mature fruit is about January 31^(st) and maturity (15-20 gms/plant) is about February ₁₅th.

[0131] General: The growing period in Huelva, Spain, where the observations were made is between about December 10^(th) and May 15^(th) of each year, with a maximum production at about mid-April. ‘PLACARTFRE’ is a short variety that benefits from induction to flowering by chilling, usually a few hours are sufficient, preferably at temperatures of 7° C. or less. Normally, the minimum number of hours is accumulated in the field during several days.

[0132] Disease resistance: No particular sensitivity to any disease or parasite has been observed for ‘PLACARTFRE.’ 

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct strawberry plant of the variety substantially as shown and described. 